An important aspect of being a professional photographer is being versatile. While most photographers specialize in one or two different types of photography, being experienced in many comes in handy and prepares you to be able to photograph whatever gets thrown in front of you.
I arrived at the manufacturing plant at 8 am to photograph a large food processing machine. The equipment was unloaded from my car, transported through the plant, and proceeded to set it up. The machine I was hired to photograph was 6 1/2' tall x 7 1/4' long and 5 1/2' deep and all stainless steel. The only exception shiny metal was white netting over a stainless steel horn, glass doors that the client needed to be able to see through, computer screens, and a white conveyer belt. It's tricky to photograph but, I was prepared and had the experience.
Behind the scenes. Cheryl of Gottschall Photography photographing a detail of a food packaging machine.
The lighting was unpackaged, set into place, test shots done, and adjustments made. As I was about to start photographing, the Director of Product Management walked in wearing a suit and tie. I didn’t think too much about it because we worked together before. Seeing him in a suit was nothing out of the ordinary. He walked in front of the lights and said, “I’m ready for my headshot were do you want me?”. What? That wasn't on the schedule. I wasn't told that he needed a headshot. I didn't know he would be ready at 9 am because he had meetings. I guess the photographer is always the last to know.
I had to think fast. We were on a schedule with a lot to photograph that day. Besides photographing the one machine with five different angles and details, I also had to photograph two additional smaller machines. If I dismantled the lighting and set up and for a headshot, a lot of time would be lost. I couldn’t just use the same light. Lighting for a headshot is completely different than lighting needed to photograph a large shiny metal object. To remedy the situation, I explained and asked if he could come back later. Perfect, no problem.
Machine product photography
Machine product photography
Machine product photograph
I worked through the shots I already set up and before switching to a new view, I changed the lighting for a headshot, moved a white reflector in front of the machine, called in the Director of Product Management, photographed the headshot.
Corporate Headshot | Gottschall Photography
Always be prepared, flexible, and pack extra equipment.